ZINC ACETATE, ZINC SULFATE

Chemistry - Zinc acetate occurs as white crystals or granules. It has a faint acetous odor and effloresces slightly. One gram is soluble in 2.5 ml of water and in 30 ml of alcohol.
Zinc sulfate occurs as a colorless granular powder, small needles, or transparent prisms. It isodorless but has an astringent metallic taste. 1.67 grams are soluble in one ml of water. Zinc sulfateis insoluble in alcohol and contains 23% zinc by weight.

Storage, Stability, Compatibility

Store zinc acetate crystals in tight containers. Unless other-wise recommended by the manufacturer, store zinc sulfate products in tight containers at roomtemperature.

Pharmacology - ZINC ACETATE, ZINC SULFATE

Zinc is a necessary nutritional supplement; it is required by over 200 metal-loenzymes for proper function. Enzyme systems that require zinc include alkaline phosphatase, alcohol dehydrogenase, carbonic anhydrase and RNA polymerase. Zinc is also necessary tomaintain structural integrity of cell membranes and nucleic acids. Zinc dependent physiologicalprocesses include sexual maturation and reproduction, cell growth and division, vision, night vision, wound healing, immune response, and taste acuity.
When administered orally, large doses of zinc can inhibit the absorption of copper.

Uses, Indications

Zinc sulfate is used systemically as a nutritional supplement in a variety ofspecies. Oral zinc acetate has been shown to reduce copper toxicity in susceptible dog breeds(Bedlington Terriers, West Highland White Terriers) with hepatic copper toxicosis. Zinc sulfate isalso used topically as an astringent and as weak antiseptic both for dermatologic and ophthalmicconditions.

Pharmacokinetics - ZINC ACETATE, ZINC SULFATE

About 20-30% of dietary zinc is absorbed, principally from the duodenumand ileum. Bioavailability is dependent upon the food in which it is present. Phytates can chelatezinc and form insoluble complexes in an alkaline pH. Zinc is stored mostly in red and white bloodcells, but is also found in the muscle, skin, bone, retina, pancreas, liver, kidney and prostate.
Elimination is primarily via the feces, but some is also excreted by the kidneys and in sweat. Zincfound in feces may be reabsorbed in the colon.

Contraindications, Precautions, Reproductive Safety

Zinc supplementation should be carefully considered before administering to patients with copper deficiency.
No documented adverse effects associated with zinc therapy during pregnancy apparently exist, but neither have adequate, well-controlled studies been performed.

Adverse Effects, Warnings

Large doses may cause GI disturbances. Hematologic abnormalitiesmay occur with large doses, particularly if a coexistent copper deficiency exists.

Overdosage, Acute Toxicity

Signs associated with overdoses of zinc, include hemolytic anemia, hypotension, jaundice, vomiting and pulmonary edema. Suggestions for treatment of overdoses oforal zinc, include removing the source, dilution with milk or water and chelation therapy usingedetate calcium disodium (Calcium EDTA). Refer to that monograph for possible doses and usageinformation.

Drug Interactions

Large doses of zinc can inhibit copper absorption in the intestine. If thisinteraction is desirable, separate copper and zinc supplements by at least two hours. Penicillamineand ursodiol may potentially inhibit zinc absorption; clinical significance is not clear. Zinc saltsmay chelate oral tetracycline and reduce its absorption; separate doses by at least two hours. Zincsalts may reduce the absorption of some fluroquinolones (e.g., enrofloxacin).